Bookmaker Blue Square has responded to criticism of a tournament that took place at football clubs up and down the country. The sponsors of the Blue Square Premier, South and North divisions have released the following statement:

"We are disappointed to hear about the criticism that our Blue Square half-time game has received. Fans at all 68 clubs had been competing in a "keepie-uppie" tournament to qualify for a separate game at Wembley on Blue Square Premier play-off final day.

"The five winners qualified from a second round staged at Hinckley United. All five received an all expenses paid trip to Wembley Stadium with Royal Box seats and two season tickets to the club of their choice. Added to this 'money can't buy prize' was a chance to kick a ball on the hallowed turf.

"We consistently stated that the game would be different at Wembley, on all our communication with the clubs and with the finalists once the second round had taken place. A number of inconsistent reports have stated that the kick was from 100 yards, when it was actually 45 yards.

"Although the final game was difficult, it wasn't impossible, and from a Blue Square point of view the prize money was insured to the extent that a winner would have been more beneficial to the overall competition. We were genuinely cheering on every single finalist in the hope that they would manage to scoop the prize.

"We have received communication from a couple of the finalists thanking us for a great day and a fantastic opportunity."

Alan Alger
Blue Square PR Manager.